NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers.
Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Count
A Striking Difference: 50,000 vs. 2,000
Within two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players, dwarfing Concord's peak of 2,388. This disparity is particularly noteworthy, with Marvel Rivals' player count remaining firmly in the five-digit range.
As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam, excluding PlayStation players. Even considering the potential for a substantial PlayStation player base, the difference remains substantial. This stark contrast raises concerns about Concord's prospects, especially with its August 23rd release date approaching.
Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Faces Challenges
Concord continues to struggle, even after its closed and open beta phases. Its Steam wishlist ranking lags behind numerous indie titles, highlighting the underwhelming reception of its beta tests. In contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position in the top 14 Steam wishlists, alongside titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
Concord's struggles are compounded by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding PS Plus subscribers. Its open beta, though free, only added a thousand players to its peak count.
Marvel Rivals, conversely, is free-to-play, requiring only a simple Steam access request.
The competitive hero shooter market is saturated, and Concord's pricing strategy might have driven players towards alternatives.
Concord's lack of a distinct identity in a crowded market contributes to its struggles. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a recognizable IP, Concord's "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic, while initially intriguing, failed to capture the charm of either franchise.
The success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a strong IP isn't always crucial, but Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's performance (13,459 peak players) shows that a strong IP alone is no guarantee of success.
While comparing the two games might seem unfair given Marvel's brand recognition, both being hero shooters highlights the competitive landscape Concord faces.
